BATALA, March 11– Six farmers sustained injuries Tuesday after police cane-charged them during a confrontation over land acquisition for the Delhi-Jammu Katra Expressway.
A district administration team, led by Batala SDM Vikramjit Singh Panthey, reached Nangal Chor village near Sri-Hargobindpur early in the morning to take possession of the land.
Officials, including representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), maintained that farmers had received proper compensation. However, farm unions disputed the claim.
Around 50 farmers gathered at the site and refused to let officials proceed, demanding adequate compensation first. As tensions escalated, police attempted to disperse them, leading to a clash.
Six farmers were injured and admitted to Harchowal Civil Hospital. SSP Suhail Qasim Mir stated that their injuries were minor.
A farm leader said officials had previously assured them of compensation before acquisition. “However, they backtracked on their promise. We will talk to our senior leaders before deciding our next step,” he said.
